A Step-By-Step Guide to Setting the Default Message Format in Outlook

Control the format of outgoing Outlook messages

By
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Heinz Tschabitscher
Writer
  • University of Vienna
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on December 21, 2020
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • To set the message format, go to File > Options > Mail > Compose messages in this format > select format > OK.
  • You have three message formats to choose from in Outlook: Plain text, HTML, and Rich Text Format.

This article explains how to set the default message format in Outlook. Instructions apply to Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010, and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

How to Set the Default Message Format in Outlook

HTML is the default message format in Outlook. While plain text format works for all email programs, it doesn’t support text formatting. Rich Text Format (RTF) is only supported by Microsoft Exchange Client versions 4.0 and 5.0 and Outlook.

To configure the default format for new emails in Outlook:

  1. Go to File > Options.

  2. In the Outlook Options dialog box, select Mail.

    Screenshot of Mail tab in Outlook Options

  3. Select the Compose messages in this format drop-down arrow and choose the format you want to use as the default for new emails.

    Screenshot of Compose Messages drop-down

  4. Select OK.

You can set up Outlook to always use plain text or rich text for individual recipients regardless of the default message format you specify.

Was this page helpful?